Updated 9:13 pm, Thursday, August 13, 2015

Albany

Researchers at the University at Albany and Albany Medical Center have developed an innovative method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease that holds the promise of earlier detection than is possible now.

The technique requires nothing more invasive than a blood sample from a patient.

In a study of 48 patients, scientists led by Igor Lednev of UAlbany and Dr. Earl Zimmerman of Albany Med were able to distinguish those with Alzheimer's from those who were healthy or suffering from other dementias using a specialized laser beam to detect a pattern of light on a blood sample that is as distinct as a thumbprint or signature.

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Their work has been published in the Journal of Biophotonics.

The finding is significant because the light signatures can be detected before a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be made through observing behavior, the only way that doctors can identify the illness now, Lednev said. Patients are usually in an advanced stage of the disease by the time a doctor can observe symptoms.

Earlier diagnosis would allow treatments that can slow the progression of the disease to begin earlier — and potentially be more effective.

The technique, originally developed for forensics, involves shining a specialized laser beam on microscopic drops of blood. When the light scatters, the particles that transmit it, called photons, lose energy. The energy loss creates what Lednev called a "specific vibrational signature" of the blood sample. Though the technique does not identify individual blood components that distinguish Alzheimer's from other conditions, the Alzheimer's light signature remains distinct from others, Lednev said.

Some medical doctors have previously dismissed the method because, Lednev believes, it is very unlike conventional medical research targeting the development of biochemical markers for disease. He hopes this study will dispel some skepticism about the method's potential.

Lednev said he believes the technique could be used in diagnosis of other neurological conditions, like Parkinson's disease.

The researchers' next step is to seek funding for a larger study, involving 100-150 patients, to further validate the diagnostic method. Lednev estimated the study could cost $2 million to $3 million.